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By Christmas Day we’ll have reached the half-way stage of the Championship and EFL seasons. It’s round 21 on the menu in the second tier this weekend and more broadly we’ve got a pretty good idea of how each of the 72 clubs’ seasons are going.
Two sides on fire in the Championship are Fulham and Bournemouth who sit 1st and 2nd respectively. It’s a mouth-watering match in prospect on Friday as they meet in front of the Sky Sports cameras and one that’s made even tastier by the return of Scott Parker to Craven Cottage.
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The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right nowThe Cottagers hold a slender one-point advantage over Parker’s new side Bournemouth but a significantly better goal difference. In their combined 40 games to date they have lost just five games between them. They’re safely in the automatic spots with Bournemouth having a seven-point cushion to the increasingly-impressive QPR in 3rd.
Both are in fine scoring form but have hit the skids a little results wise of late, with both having draws in their last two outings. Is the pressure starting to get to our pacesetters? Let’s try and find out with a Friday night Bet Builder for Fulham v Bournemouth.
* A Bet Builder on these four best bets pays at approximately 27/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Friday 7.45pm: Fulham v Bournemouth
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
The Draw
Fulham had won seven on the bounce before those two aforementioned stalemates. After averaging over 3.5 goals per game just by themselves over that run, they’ve scored just once against Preston and Derby in their last two outings.
Bournemouth’s form was also extraordinarily good before their recent mini slump, winning nine in 10 before losing two, drawing two and winning one of their last five. I think, with the reality of their position starting to settle in after the early-season fun, there might be a bit of self-preservation kicking in.
Add QPR hurtling up on the inside rail into the mix and both might be happy to take the point and live to fight another day against the lesser lights. In what is a proper 50/50 match up – Fulham have the best home record in the league and Bournemouth the best away results so far – at the price, I think The Draw is your best play.
Under 2.5 Goals
Given the importance of this match to both sides I think there’s as good chance we’ll see a diversion from the norm and something of a cagey affair. Bournemouth have maintained their good goal-scoring form but Fulham’s goals have dried up a little in very-recent times.
Another standout factor to consider is how good both are at the back. Both have conceded just 16 goals each in their 20 games this season, an average of 0.8 goals per match. With plenty on the line there’s a good chance we’ll see defences on top and Under 2.5 Goals.
Aleksandar Mitrovic To Score Anytime
Not the boldest punt ever to grace the internet but Aleksandar Mitrovic To Score Anytime is a must for any Bet Builders you might be formulating for this one. The Serbian striker is in outstanding form and already has 21 goals in just 19 appearances this term.
He’s scored from 33% of all attempts he’s had so far which is superb and shows that he’s not only getting the chances but being really clinical as well. While the Premier League might be a step too far for Mitro he loves The Championship so it might pay to back him while we can with January looming and rumours of a move to pastures new.
Dominic Solanke to have 1 or More Shots on Target
The other man with a very keen eye for goal in this game is Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke. The Chelsea academy graduate is trying to keep up with Mitrovic in the top-scorer charts and has 16 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
He’s had 51 shots in those games, averaging a shade over 2.4 shots per game. Of those, 59% are on target meaning he’s had about 30 on target this term. That’s just under 1.5 Shots on target per match so I’d be more than happy to round off with Dominic Solanke to have 1 or More Shots on Target in this game.
Fulham v Bournemouth tips
The Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Aleksandar Mitrovic To Score Anytime
Dominic Solanke to have 1 or More Shots on Target
* A Bet Builder on these four best bets pays at approximately 27/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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Friday’s football tips
- Premier League Tips: Paddy’s guide to this weekend’s fixtures
- Football accumulator tips: Friday’s tasty 39/1 four-fold bet
Saturday football tips
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- Thommo Turbo Treble: Phil Thompson’s 8/1 Saturday 3pm Premier League tips
- West Ham v Chelsea Tips: 7/1 punt among Thommo’s 4 best
- Football Accumulator Tips: Our stylish 26/1 Saturday night selections
- West Ham v Chelsea Tips: Goals galore in our 23/1 Bet Builder
Sunday football tips
Premier League Tips: Tasty 11/1 treble for Sunday’s 2pm games
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right now